We stayed at the Paradisus in March and this was our second time to DR. We felt the grounds were the best that we have been to and we have been to many resorts. The rooms were spacious and nicely laid out and romantic. The wind was a bit of a problem for two-three days but that is the DR, you never get hot. The pool, as ranked, is one of the best and the bar staff is wonderful. Our only complaint was the food, it is just so so. The morning buffet was chaos and stuffed. Dinners were small and takes awhile to get out so sometimes cold. Hated the fact that you had to make reservations and every time we tried to they said something different such as "you can only make one day ahead, or you can only make three days ahead." We did find they cater to the royal service for reservations. The lobby bar and staff were the best we have had in our travels and Gabbi beach is a must, free cigars. We did not do the royal service but wish we had for the extra money. If you have trouble with spanish, practice a bit before you get down, alot of americans were getting frustrated that they were in a spanish speaking country and some did not speak english, we had no problem with my eigth grade spanish lessons. Overall great stay, been to DR twice and think that will be enough for us. BVI much more romantice with a million times better food.

Our family including 3 chidren stayed at the Paradisus in April and had an awesome time. The resort is clean, safe, well looked after and fun. The food is well prepared and varied. We tried most of the restaraunts and liked Vento and the Market Grill. The lobby bar is worth a visit. Premium alcohol, beer, DR cigars and anything else you want.
We took diving and fishing trips from the resort.
Our family did not want to leave and this is a resort we would go back to.

Ole! This is the first time I have written a review with Trip Advisor, however, I felt that as I have read other's, it was only fair that I submit. This resort lived up to its expectations and beyond! I'll take in order of events:
CHECK-IN: Was fairly quick...a bit of a mix-up as we requested 3 rooms in the same block (block is different than building). Several blocks to a building. Good to know. However, they brought us champagne while we were sorting it out and they were pleasant and eager to please. I think it helped that we spoke a few words in spanish and laughed at how awful we were...they seemed to find that charming!
ROOM: Getting there was fun in the little carts, the porters were friendly and helpful..yes, we gave a small tip, but why wouldn't you? We had a standard room, but truly it was beautiful and the view was breathtaking as we were in a corner style unit and had a view of the ocean and central gardens. It was clean all the time, only had one day where they did not come until late in the day...and a few times they did not turn down the bed at night...was this a big deal...no..as Room SERVICE was quite excellent! Had a sunburn day and decided to stay indoors, ordered room service and they brought within 20 to 25 minutes...only one day when it was 90 minutes and that is because it rained in the morning and everyone in the resort ordered room service at the same time...you sometimes have to be patient.
POOLSIDE: The pool does indeed need its own zipcode it is so huge. LOVED the beds in the water, sun and shade options. A special hug and thanks to Bianca, Damien and Yani...for exceptional service around the pool...and yes, during the conference busy times, you waited longer...relax, you are on vacation...if you are THAT thirsty, go up to the bar...if you go down and meet any of them, say Hi from Mindy, from the wedding party and the stainless steel insulated mugs...EVERYONE wanted one, suggest you take one...as keeps the drinks cold and icy...easy to pack.
BALI BEDS: OK folks, its true! These are the MOST coveted items on the resort...no question! When you do get one, you WANT one ever after...the loungers are plentiful and everywhere, both sun and shade, but there is no doubt that I felt like the Queen in her castle observing her domaine, especially when Bianca came by to serve me my drink. I managed to get a bali bed twice in the week...and that was because my husband got up to golf at 6:00 am wakeup, so I wandered out with my beach bag, towels (bring my own) and other 'stuff'...BUT, I spent the DAY in my bali bed, from pool to bed and had visitors all day long...I made TOTAL use of my time...I understand the frustration of others, who put down their 'stuff'...and don't show up all day until around 4:00 pm..that is definitely rude, but people are people and some are rude!
BEACH: The beach is a lovely white sand, almost like flour on your feet...no question, that the Paradisius Palma Real has one of the BEST locations on the curve...and yes people, it has seaweed...after all, this is THE sea...please...if you don't like the feel on your feet...wear water shoes, or use a tube like we did...it wasn't horrible, it just took getting use to...I can tell EVERY DAY, they were bagging seaweed on the beach in the early morning..
FOOD: Overall, very well done! Here were our favourites...and again, it is a matter of preference, tastebuds and choices...there is definitely something for everyone. First....BOOK your restaurants as many as you can as far in advance as you can...standard operating resort procedures...get over it...unless you do ROYAL SERVICE, and yes, some of my family members did it and LOVED it...said well worth the price, and their butler was fabulous!, YOU are responsible for booking the restaurants....VENTO's yummy italian...well done on presentation, services, had the duck...pretty good, beef, fantastic! Soups, salads, and the trio of pasta...outstanding...standard red wines are just OK...Freixenet Champage...pretty darn good...order from the 'pay' side if you want good wine...martini bar is fabulous inbetween vento's and passions...OK...PASSIONS...not my thing...14 of us went and NONE of use liked the concept, the food choices...it may have 'looked pretty'...but it still tasted awful...except for the red pepper soup...we all loved, however, you only got 2 tablespoons..it has become the laugh of the trip, whenever we talk about food we don't like how it compared to Passions...Asian Fusion and the Tapanyaki Japanese was in a word EXCELLENT! the food was cooked in front and tasted delicious..personal favourites...all agree...the scallops, shrimp and salmon...depending on the chef, beef came in a bit overdone...but, it happens...Market Grill (restaurant by the beach)...oh Gosh...Surf & Turf...to die for...melted in our mouths! Service was quite good at every restaurant...OK...the main Buffet...I liked that although the tables were outside, the food items were inside an air-conditioned premise with sliding doors...again...something for everyone...this housed the breakfast (great omelettes & fresh squeezed OJ) until 11:00 am...shut down and re-opened at 12:30pm for lunch (homemade thincrust pizzas were delicious!)...dinner at 6:00 pm had a theme every day....only ate once, as I totally enjoyed the others...so, can't speak...oh yes, did a room service for dinner one night...simple...Soup and Chicken Ceasar salad...great salad, as they brought everything separate and you mixed it how you liked it yourself...
ENTERTAINMENT: I would say this was Good...NOT great!...but getting better all the time from what I heard from some timeshare vacationers....they had a show EVERY night...it just depended on your tastes...we love live music and are used to trios bands coming around while you eat....this only happened once to us...however, I understand, they did so more frequent at the outdoor buffet area...we loved the 80's night...we loved the mexican live music night...they had a mid-week buffet with circ de solei type of deal...it was great...the disco is not! Unless you are with a group...maybe you like it, but not our thing...we requested songs...but nothing ever came of it, so don't waste your time...the Casino is small but fun! Some of us actually won money ($150) or thereabouts.
DRINKS: If this is important, no worries, you want Grand Marnier...you got it! You want CC with coke, you got it! You want single malt scotch..no worries...in the MAIN bars, you got the top notch..the only exception is the pool bars...I think this is to slow you down (smile!)....but, when I ordered room service, I told them what I wanted and they brought it...
TIPPING: Your choice, but let me tell you a dollar here or a dollar there...and learning a couple of phrases like: "No hable español, sólo unas palabras, Perdón" meaning: I don’t speak Spanish, just a few words, I’m sorry and then Usted tiene un país hermoso - or you have a beautiful country "...went a long way to endearing you to the Dominican people. It's not hard to be friendly and yes, sometimes you may have a bit of a language barrier...relax...you ARE in THEIR country...expect some issues...
OK...One final thing...A vacation is what YOU make of it..if you are negative and picky...then geesh...you probably won't have as good a time! Whereas if you relax, be open minded and friendly...well..you get the picture!...you just have to go and try it yourself...Adiós mis amigos (Goodbye my friends)

We just came back from the BEST vacation of our lives. We travel a lot and this was the very nicest vacation we have ever had. The service was amazing, the hotel and grounds the cleanest we have ever seen and with the exception of one meal the food was great. The Japanese restaurent was beautiful but the food was over salted and over cooked. The rest of the meals were magnificent. The rooms were fine and the jacuzi tub a joy. Masage and game room great and the beach just spectacular. Can't say enough about how well we were treated. The "all inclusive" plan was perfect..the first time we have ever really seen it work as advertised. We will go back very soon,, just bring lots of dollar bills to spread around and you willl get everything you want. Try the Gabi restaurent and ask for Fabian,, amazing waiter,Vento is also excellent. Breakfast was always good and the coffee super. Room Service should be avoided. make your reservations when you arrive and remmember to reserve a palapra right away for the stay..you will have to renew the request daily but a dollar takes care of it. Drink lots of water it is a thirsty place and the fish are very fresh.